Compton's Lawyers will Argue Mental Defect Defense in Arson Trial

The lawyers for the man accused of setting an apartment fire that killed three people on West Franklin Street will argue Compton has a mental defect as part of his defense.

The man accused of setting an apartment fire that killed three people on West Franklin Street will go to trial in Vanderburgh County, but his attorneys will argue that he has a mental defect as part of his defense.

The motion was filed Wednesday morning regarding Christopher Compton's case. Two court-appointed doctors have now been assigned to evaluate his mental state.

Compton is accused of setting the fire on West Franklin Street in March that killed his ex-girlfriend, her three year old daughter and another man.Two weeks ago, a judge denied a request for a change of venue, and re-affirmed the trial to begin October 13th.Compton faces three counts of murder and several counts of arson.

Copyright 2014 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.